What is Financial Aid?

studentaid.gov/h/understand-aid/how-aid-works

 A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund, or you receive a TEACH Grant and don’t complete your service obligation). A variety of federal grants are available, including Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants. 

Learn about grants: studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants 

Cal Grant Information: Your Cal Grant is based on your 10th and 11th grade GPA

Once you submit your completed FAFSA/CADAA and high school GPA you will be considered for the appropriate Cal Grant award based on GPA, financial need and college of attendance.

🎓Cal Grant A:

For low to middle income students

3.00 high school GPA minimum

May be used for a program that is at least two academic years in length resulting in an associate or baccalaureate degree of 48 semester units or the equivalent

Can only be used for tuition and fees. 

If awarded at a California Community College, will be held in reserve up to two academic years until student transfers to a tuition charging institution

🎓Cal Grant B:

For low income students

2.00 high school GPA minimum

May be used for a program that is at least one academic year in length resulting in an associate, baccalaureate degree or certificate of at least 24 semester units or the equivalent. Includes an additional annual Access Award amount (living expenses). 

🎓Cal Grant C:

Assists with costs of a technical or career education (trade schools) 

Available for no more than 2 years

How do I claim funds?

After you submit your FAFSA or CADAA and it is processed, you will receive an email from CSAC letting you know you need to create a Web Grants 4 Student Account. Your Web Grants 4 Students Account will allow you to check the status of your state grants and take the necessary next steps to secure your aid. 

The Web Grant website is https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/. 

Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college or career school. This type of free money, which is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study, can make a real difference in helping you manage your education expenses.

Learn about scholarships: studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships 

The Federal Work-Study Program allows you to earn money to pay for school by working part-time. 

Learn about work study programs: studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/work-study 

When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan. 

Learn about loans: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans 

The difference between federal student loans and grants is that loans must be repaid while grants are simply “awarded” funds that usually do not need to be repaid.